President Boakai and Sheik Mufti Benk in Liberia

Abubakar Hashim

It is widely considered a major breakthrough for the Joseph Boakai administration in promoting religious tolerance in Liberia, widely considered as a purely Christian dominated country as world renowned Sheik Mufti Benk visited Monrovia.

He was received warmly by President Boakai. It is unprecedented.
Islamic religious holidays are not officially recognised by Liberia. Churches litter the country, while mosques are few and could be counted on finger tips.

For President Boakai to openly receive Sheik Mufti is an imminent sign of better days to come for Islam in Liberia.

Mufti Dr Ismail Menk, born 27 June 1975 in Salisbury, Rhodesia (now Harare, Zimbabwe) is a leading global Islamic scholar raised in Mozambique. He studied Shariah in Madinah and holds a Doctorate of Social Guidance from Aldersgate University.

Mufti Menk’s work has gained worldwide recognition and he has been named one of “The Top 50 Most Influential Muslims in the World” since 2010.

He is a motivational speaker, Islamic Scholar and Grand Mufti of Zimbabwe